DIY Pinball Machine for Ryan’s Birthday

Introduction

• Ryan’s birthday is approaching, and a special DIY gift is planned.
• Combo, Ryan’s best friend, is involved in the planning and execution of the gift.
• The goal is to create a DIY pinball machine as a fun and unique present.

Materials Needed

• Cardboard
• Popsicle sticks
• Wooden dowels
• Rubber bands
• Thumbtacks
• Drinking straws
• Small popsicle sticks
• Scissors, glue (hot glue suggested with adult supervision)

Steps to Build the Pinball Machine

Creating the Frame

1. Face Plates, Bumpers, and Backboard: Begin by tracing these out on cardboard.
2. Cutting Pieces: Use scissors to cut out all the traced pieces.

Flipper Mechanism

1. Preparation: Use cardboard, popsicle sticks, and rubber bands.
2. Assembly:
   • Glue cardboard strips to act as popsicle stick housing.
   • Popsicle sticks serve as flipper controls.
   • Rubber bands provide tension to make flippers functional.

Constructing the Borders

1. Side and Back Plates: Glue the side plates on straight, then add the back plate.
2. Bottom Border: Construct to direct the pinball towards the ball return.
3. Front Plate: Add after the sides and back are secure.

Ball Launcher

1. Assembly:
   • Use dowels and cardboard to construct the straight path for the ball.
   • Glue popsicle sticks on both sides to hold the rubber bands.
   • Attach rubber bands for tension.

Adding Features

1. Obstacles and Bumpers:
   • Use colorful thumbtacks to create obstacles.
   • Build windmills using wooden dowels, straws, and small popsicle sticks.
   • Bumpers constructed with dowels and rubber bands for tension.

Testing and Final Adjustments

• Test the pinball machine to ensure all components work smoothly.
• Adjustments may be needed to perfect the mechanism and ensure a fun experience.

Conclusion

• The DIY pinball machine is complete and operational.
• The creator is confident Ryan will enjoy and be challenged by the gift.
• A fun, engaging gift prepared for Ryan’s birthday.

Final Thoughts

• Wrap the pinball machine as a surprise for Ryan’s birthday.
• Appreciation expressed towards Combo for the help in creating the gift.

Here's a step-by-step guide to building the DIY pinball machine, based on your notes: **I. Creating the Frame:** 1. **Trace and Cut:** Trace the face plates, bumpers, and backboard onto cardboard. Carefully cut out all the pieces using scissors. **II. Flipper Mechanism:** 1. **Prepare Housing:** Glue small strips of cardboard to create housings for the popsicle sticks that will act as flipper controls. 2. **Attach Controls:** Place the popsicle sticks into the housings. 3. **Add Rubber Bands:** Secure rubber bands to create tension, allowing the flippers to move up and down. One rubber band connects the mechanism to the popsicle stick, and another connects the popsicle stick to the housing. This creates tension in opposite directions for the flipper action. **III. Constructing the Borders:** 1. **Side Plates:** Glue the side plates onto the main frame, ensuring they are straight. 2. **Back Plate:** Glue the back plate onto the frame. 3. **Bottom Border:** Build a bottom border using cardboard to guide the pinball towards the ball return and prevent it from getting stuck. 4. **Front Plate:** Once the sides and back are dry, attach the front plate. **IV. Ball Launcher:** 1. **Dowel and Cardboard:** Insert wooden dowels and glue cardboard pieces around them to create a straight path for the ball. 2. **Popsicle Stick Supports:** Glue popsicle sticks on either side of the dowels to hold the rubber bands. 3. **Attach Rubber Bands:** Attach rubber bands to the popsicle sticks to provide tension for launching the ball. **V. Adding Features:** 1. **Obstacles:** Use colorful thumbtacks to create obstacles on the playing surface. 2. **Windmills:** Construct small windmills using wooden dowels, drinking straws, and small popsicle sticks. 3. **Bumpers:** Create bumpers using small dowels and rubber bands, arranging them in a triangular shape to provide bounce. **VI. Testing and Final Adjustments:** 1. **Test Run:** Test the pinball machine to make sure everything works correctly. 2. **Adjustments:** Make any necessary adjustments to improve the flipper mechanism, ball launch, and obstacle placements. Remember to always ask an adult for help when using hot glue or sharp tools. Have fun building your pinball machine!